If you are an employer, you have a legal responsibility to sustain a work environment that is free from sexual harassment. Not only does the law hold you to these standards, but it also makes sense if you want a good work environment. Allowing sexual harassment of any kind to grow in your workplace, it will decrease employee morale and could end up causing you to hire a sexual harassment lawyer in Toronto. Here are some tips on helping to avoid sexual harassment in the work environment.
Implement a Sexual Harassment Policy
There’s no excuse for not having a sexual harassment policy detailed in your employee manual. Your policy should include the definition of sexual harassment. It’s a good idea to have clear examples of something that may be considered sexual harassment that people may not immediately recognize. Not only should your policy express your intolerance for sexual harassment, but it should also outline the steps that an employee would take to file a complaint. Employees need to know that you will investigate the complaints that you receive, protect them from retaliation, and terminate or discipline any offenders.
Conduct Training for Managers and Supervisors
You should train your managers and supervisors at least once a year about sexual harassment policies. This training should be separate from the training you give your other employees. These types of sessions are geared towards giving managers and supervisors the procedures and tools for dealing with complaints. Additionally, review the definition of sexual harassment so it’s fresh in their minds every year.
Conduct Training for Employees
Your other employees should also undergo training at least once a year. It’s a good idea to go over the employee handbook during this training and include video tools when possible. Each training should not only explain what sexual harassment is but also assure them that they have the right to work in a place that does not tolerate sexual harassment. Make sure each employee knows the procedure for filing complaints, and that retaliation from such complaints is unacceptable.
Following this outline will help ensure that all of your employees are clear on the definition of sexual harassment and what to do if they experience it in the workplace. If you allow people to get away with sexual harassment, not only do your employees suffer but so does your reputation and employee morale. Make sure to thoroughly investigate any complaints you receive and always comply with federal and state laws regarding sexual harassment policies in the workplace.
